Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Game time in Beijing

Well the moment we have all been waiting for is almost here. The next three days will be big for us. Charlotte Craig will get things rolling for the U.S. Taekwondo team on Wednesday and then Marky and Diana go on Thursday.

Those who know me and for others you have probably read, it is a known fact that I get way more nervous watching my brother and sister compete than when I step on the mat. Watching them I feel so helpless, so it will be interesting to see how I handle it all on Thursday. I guess you could say I am a lot like my mom in that regard as she has a hard time watching as well. However, I am excited to see Mark and Diana go out there and give it there all.

As for my draw, my first opponent will be the silver medalist from the 2004 Games in Athens. Nothing like starting out with a bang.

Everyone is looking good and we have trained our whole lives for this moment. We are ready to go out there and represent ourselves, our family, our friends, our sponsors and our country. We promise to make you all proud.

Dear Mark and Diana Lopez, No matter what happens we are very proud of everything you've done on and off your discipline and I have been working and living and China for 7 years and coverage is very difficult to watch USA events but we all hope to see you at the winners circle... I trust and believe you'll do your best to meet your own personal goals... My family hopes to see you at the winner circle... We are with you during every step, push, breath, pulse, kick and hit. Gold bless you and your family...

Hard luck to Mark, it's a shame he lost in the dying seconds like that. It was one of those sudden death things. I would've held my ground and not attack I guess. Anyways what do I know, you are the champions :D

Hi!steveni just hear your history form CCTV's hierophant,you are so famous in this field,they look upon you as the king in the 80kg level.I havd a little disappointment for missing your show in that time.i hope you can loadup your process in your blog.hope you win in the final. minton

Congratulations to all the Lopez family. Whan an achievement on you all medalling at the same olympics. Steven i must say i think you were definatley robbed of being in the final. Mark and DIana you both gave excellent performances!!!Well done to all youKimberley xx(GB)

Congratulations to you all! You have made us all very proud and have inspired my son to take up sport.

If you could only see my 8 year old son (with ADHD) doing push ups, pull ups, stetches, and jumping jacks whenever he gets bored, anxious or tense, it would surely bring a smile to your face.

A very thin small boy he was bullied most of the spring at school by a very aggressive little girl who was learning Karate. After I spoke to her sensei she back off but still he refused to take up the same sport/art in which I had achieved a green belt. You see as a single-parent mom's don't always have as much weight as the guys.

After seeing you profiled in June he began to follow your stories on your road to Beijing. The result, WOW! You have transformed a timid, victimized child into one looking forward to learning how to defend himself and feels proud of his little bicep muscles that he shows me every day, so I can measure his progress.

Now he can't wait for his first Tae Kwon Do class in 2 weeks. Thanks go to all of your family members and to you for inspiring my son to be, do and live more!

Hey man I just want to say that everyone who is apart of the Olympics and call yourslef olympians get all my props. I wish I had the willpower and the heart each and everyone of you have. I enjoyed being able to sit in my house and watch all the Americans compete and represent the United States of America which alone is a big feat and congratulations on your accomplishments.

You guys are hard to get a hold of! This is Lascelles McCarthy III. I used to train with you guys a few years back. Jean, mark and diane might remember me better, or at least my father. When you are back and settled shoot me an email. I have a Taekwondo film project i wanted to speak with you about. lascelles@plus2studioproductions.com. Congratulations to you guys. You make me proud to be a black belt in TKD. Talk to you soon.

Unfortunately I missed the tae kwon do events; that was my top priority.

You and your family are incredible and are part of my inspiration to become a better martial artist. Keep up the good work; it's only a dream for me to achieve what you guys have done. Congratulations.

Hey! To say I am inspired by your story is an understatement of the Year!!Its just wonderful how you guys have worked so hard all these years(over20yrs!! WOW)

I would love it if you posted a bit more so we can all know if you guys swept the Gold, and how it has changed your life and what prospects you guys are now considering.

I am from Kenya, Africa and we had a lady and a guy competing in the TKD but they both were no.5 which I thought was fabulous since this is a new field for my country in Olympics. The Government is now looking into working with young children to prepare them for 2012, 2016, 2020...if possible. I just think that you guys are a BIG inspiration!!It is wonderful to have young people working so hard and diligently to meet goals, and achieve their dreams.